Two isolated supercell thunderstorms resulted in very large hail over the plains of Eddy County during the late afternoon and evening of the 17th. The first storm propagated southeast out of Chaves County. This storm slowly moved southeast over portions of northern Eddy County and resulted in nearly two hundred thousand dollars worth of damage to vehicles, homes, and crops. Due to the storm's slow movement, hail up to the size of golfballs persisted for up to half an hour in some locations. Wind driven tennis ball size hail produced "extensive" damage to a farm on the Eddy and Chaves County line north of Artesia. The storm eventually weakened in rural northeastern Eddy County.Another supercell developed over southern Eddy County. This storm resulted in large hail ranging in size from pennies to golfballs from just south of the Carlsbad Airport to Whites City. No significant damage was reported with this storm.

Hail in EDDY, NEW MEXICO
From 17-APR-05 15:30:00 to 17-APR-05 17:10:00 (MST)
Location: ARTESIA
Magnitude: 1.75 
Property damage: 70K
Crop damage: 25K
Reported by: TRAINED SPOTTER

Numerous reports of golfball size hail were received as an isolated supercell storm propagated southeast over portions of northern Eddy County during the late afternoon and early evening hours of the 17th. The swath of damaging hail began at the Eddy and Chaves County line nine miles north of Artesia along New Mexico Highway 351, and ended as the storm weakened over rural northeastern Eddy County.The most significant damage was reported between Artesia and the Eddy and Chaves County line. At least four residences suffered roof damage and broken windows. Four vehicles also were heavily damaged, including a New Mexico State Police cruiser and a welding truck. Several reports indicated that the duration of hail fall exceeded thirty minutes at some homesteads. Hail accumulated to depths of eight inches at some locales along the storm's path. Traffic along U.S. Highway 285 and New Mexico Highway 351 was reportedly at a stand still in the wake of the storm as hail covered the driving surfaces and created hazardous driving conditions.

Hail in EDDY, NEW MEXICO
From 17-APR-05 15:35:00 to 17-APR-05 16:00:00 (MST)
Location: ARTESIA
Magnitude: 2.50 
Property damage: 20K
Crop damage: 75K
Reported by: TRAINED SPOTTER

A resident along the Eddy and Chaves County line, near the intersection of North 13th Street and Pearson Road, reported that occasional hen egg to tennis ball size hail accompanied the storm. The homestead suffered "extensive" damage, both structural and to several vehicles. The hail was, at times, wind driven by severe thunderstorm wind gusts. This resulted in the loss of all northward facing windows. The roof of the residence was severely damaged. Crop damage on the property also was reported to be "extensive".

Thunderstorm Wind in EDDY, NEW MEXICO
From 17-APR-05 15:40:00 to 17-APR-05 15:40:00 (MST)
Location: ARTESIA
Magnitude: 57 EG
Property damage: 0
Crop damage: 0
Reported by: TRAINED SPOTTER

Severe thunderstorm winds accompanied the giant hail at a homestead located on the Eddy and Chaves County line. Rural residents estimated the peak wind gusts to be near 65 MPH. These winds drove very large hail horizontally which resulted in the loss of northward facing windows in the home and in several vehicles. Significant damage was not otherwise directly attributed to the severe winds.

Hail in EDDY, NEW MEXICO
From 17-APR-05 18:15:00 to 17-APR-05 18:46:00 (MST)
Location: CARLSBAD ARPT
Magnitude: 1.75 
Property damage: 0
Crop damage: 0
Reported by: TRAINED SPOTTER

A second supercell storm developed over southern Eddy County.  This storm resulted in large hail over the area from just south of the Carlsbad Airport to Whites City. Public reports from Whites City indicated that golfball size hail covered the ground. No significant damage was reported.